Council leader lauds Beam Park approval

By Natalie Vincent - Wed 7 November 2018, 1:53 pm

Councillor Darren Rodwell, the leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, has welcomed the decision to approve the proposed Beam Park development, which will see thousands of more homes, new primary schools and a new rail station built on the former Ford assembly site.

The joint venture by developers L&Q and Countryside include 3,000 homes, of which 2,360 units will be in Barking and Dagenham and 640 units in Havering. Fifty percent of the homes (at least 1,513 units) have been earmarked as affordable, comprising the first 35% split between 20% rent and 80% shared ownership. The remaining 15% will be split between 20% rent and 80% intermediate, comprising shared ownership or London Living Rent.

Rodwell said: "This is another piece of the jigsaw in our efforts to harness growth in the borough; I am glad to see that this development will include schools, a medical centre and a new rail station for residents as part of our ambitious vision for the future of Barking and Dagenham."

Jules Pipe, London’s deputy mayor for housing, approved the plans on 28 September following Havering Council's refusal earlier this year, a decision which was called-in by City Hall. The development straddles the boroughs of Barking and Dagenham and Havering.

The plans also include a three-form entry primary school in each borough, a new railway station and bus loop, a new medical centre, a park and children's play space. A Beam Park Community fund of £500,000 will be used to support community projects and schemes in both boroughs, and the developers will make a £350,000 sports facilities contribution for Parsloes Park.